The Lakers would have traded Pau Gasol for Chris Paul.

But were unwilling to trade Gasol for Rajon Rondo.

The question begs, how big of a gap is there between Paul and Rondo?  Something to ponder while you read the details.

The teams talked last week about a trade for Celtics guard Rajon Rondo, though nothing was close to accomplished and discussions dried up.

The Lakers are unwilling to trade Pau Gasol for Rondo, making a deal with Boston unlikely before the trade deadline Thursday.

“Unless they give up Gasol, they’re not going to get a top-level point guard,” said a person familiar with the situation but not authorized to discuss it publicly.

The Lakers seem unwilling to make a big trade until the last moments before the trading deadline passes.  Personally, if Boston was serious about giving up Rondo for Gasol, I would have accepted that deal.

I don’t even know how it would benefit Boston in any way, but I could see how it could benefit the Lakers especially if Andrew Bynum continues to improve.

Stay tuned.